By Mark David Blum, Esq.

May it please the Court: United States Magistrate Hon. George H. Lowe, has been named the receipient of the Onondaga County Bar Association’s 2007 Distinguished Lawyer Award. No person living or dead, of whom I am aware would be more deserving of such an honor. He will receive his award on October 11, 2007 at the OCBA’s 132nd Annual Dinner.

Truly such an honor is a vast and gross understatement of the dignity and credibility that George Lowe brings to the profession. It honestly brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart swell to think of him being so named. As one of those few bright beacons to whom I look toward and try to emulate, I cannot help but be all ferklept when a friend and mentor grabs the honors. It signals that I am headed in the right direction and respecting the right people.

I bring this to the world’s attention because I know the stuffy world of the ‘Bar’ and the local news reporting will fail to advise the world of just what is happening on the eleventh. Every civilian out there should know of the kind of lawyer and human being we lawyers do indeed try to emulate. Forgive me if I open up a curtain and let some of the sun shine in.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Hon. George Lowe and I met when he was head of litigation at Bond, Schoeneck & King. Primarily in his dealings with me, his client was the City of Syracuse and steadfastly defended them as I brought on my civil rights cases. As much as I learned to respect George, I was also on my toes because in this business, whenever someone is being nice to you, watch your back. As cooperative and friendly as he was, that knife never came. In fact, I learned early on that being a gentleman and trustworthy were just character traits that came naturally to George. So much did I come to trust him, that since then and over the years, I have shared with him some of my most personal secrets.

I will never understand what prompted George to jump ship and go sit on a bench. Maybe it is my youth and inexperience, but the thought of changing roles from boxer to referee seems like giving up the best part of the profession. Undoubtedly, there comes great rewards from sitting on a federal bench. But I still believe that George’s best talents and love remain on this side of that elevated posture.

George, I wish I could be there and join in your celebration. For many reasons I cannot; primarily among them is that the dinner is in your honor and my presence would be a distraction. Likewise, the Bar Association does not need my paltry $75.00 as the cost for the dinner. But, I do know a lot of homeless men who could use shoes and instead I am sending a check to the ‘George Ruggaber Shoe Fund’ c/o the Syracuse Rescue Mission in your honor.

My personal adoration and respect for you George Lowe will never get in the way of any professional differences. Until then however, I will raise my own glass in your honor and toast: “may the best of your yesterdays be the worst of your tomorrows.”